In October 2006, the Pastors' Book Set (PBS) Project expanded its impact into Southern Sudan. Despite difficulties, God used the conferences in tremendous ways. The following report is from Tom Halgren, Kenya PBS Coordinator:

Prior to the Sudan conferences the SIM-Kenya Field Director and I wondered if we were doing the right thing. Were books what pastors needed in a country coming out of over 20 years of war? Communication was difficult, and uncertain; we weren’t sure if the book sets would arrive on time, and we had no idea how many pastors would actually show up. Nevertheless, we planned the two conferences in Malakal and Juba.

Malakal: Discovering Christian Unity

Coming to the Malakal conference, we were told that government officials were watching us. They were skeptical that we could actually bring pastors together and produce book sets as promised. The Acting Governor for Upper Nile State spoke at the opening service, with the Minister of Education in attendance. The pressure was on. We were ignorant, having no idea of the problems that others were anxious about!

At the closing of the conference, the head of the steering committee stood up and addressed us all: “We have six tribes represented in this conference, and we have hated each other." He called six people from the different tribes to come and stand facing the crowd. "For the first time, pastors from different denominations have come together as brothers. For the first time, we have worshiped together. This conference will impact those who are here and their churches now and for generations to come.”

By God’s grace, none of the problems materialized. At the end, the pastors filed out after receiving their books. Twenty pastors moved from the distribution point without opening the cartons. Later we learned these pastors held a special thanksgiving service the next morning -- only then did they open and examine their books!

Juba: Mud, Mosquitos, and Ministry

We flew from Malakal to Juba, which is known as the world’s second most expensive city to live in. A moldy tent right on the Nile with ‘toilets’ and ‘showers’ (better not described) cost USD $50 a night per person. But God saw us through heat, humidity, mosquitoes and unpleasant living conditions.

Like in Malakal, the pastors deeply appreciated the teaching and wanted it to continue. We distributed 142 book sets to pastors and Bible Schools. In both locations, we distributed almost 300 book sets to pastors and 14 to Bible Schools. We left Sudan feeling deep gratitude for having been allowed to participate in these conferences.

It Was the Right Time

This was the time to hold these conferences. We thank God that even in our ignorance He overcame problems and difficulties that we weren't even aware of! We have been assured by the pastors that the impact of the teaching and books will be felt in Sudan for generations to come. It was God’s timing! He led us and protected us the entire way.

Learn more

In Southern Sudan, SIM and the Sudan Interior Church are partnering together to help restore the war-torn ruins through Rebuilding Southern Sudan: Church and Nation. See a slideshow about this program